Books for students
Some books relevant for students of English Language and Literature can be found here. This will include books for both U.G and P.G students.
Quite a few of these books might be available as PDF versions, but it's always better to get a hard copy to really study the text diligently, and to avoid copyright violations through unlicensed versions. This list will keep evolving. Click on the images to buy online. |
A good dictionary is always a must. You might have an Oxford dictionary with you, but if it's more than five years old, getting the most recent edition is definitely a good investment. TOALD (The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary) is one of the most recommended for learner's of the language because it presents words in context.
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A good pronouncing dictionary is also good to have, though TOALD has pronunciations too. The Daniel Jones' dictionary is recommended because: TOALD follows the symbols in this standard text (IPA); because it's easier to carry around; and it has got the pronunciations of a lot more words, especially proper nouns. Strongly recommended.
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This a good self-study book for English grammar. Working through the book systematically at least once has a definite impact on improving one's grammar. This has also Elementary and Advanced levels;and a COMBO pack is available with all three versions. Very useful.
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Like the book on grammar, this needs self-motivation to diligently work through it. Very beneficial. This an Advanced version; an UPPER-INTERMEDIATE level is also available, as is a very useful Business Vocabulary in Use Elementary to Pre-Intermediate level.
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Almost the Bible for under-grad students of English Literature. The important topics in this glossary have to be covered by the second year. Cover-to-cover reading is mandatory before going on to a higher degree.
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An indispensable book for undergraduate students of English Literature. Every student should have worked through this book on their own at least once before they go for higher studies. Excellent Bibliography for further reading.
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This book on linguistics is as indispensable as M.H. Abrams or Peter Barry, especially if Linguistics is one of the courses of your U.G. programme. Engaging style, with concepts explained clearly. Compulsory cover-to-cover reading. A must-have book for any student of English Language and Literature.
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For P.G students who want to go beyond M. H Abrams and Peter Barry, this book is a handy start. Good Bibliography. Strongly recommended, along with Hawthorn's Glossary of Contemporary Literary Theory
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This one too, along with Buchanan's Dictionary of Critical Theory, should be standard reading for P.G students. Together, they should cover all relevant terms in current critical theory.
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For PG students who are keen to get the basics in Literary Criticism and Theory, two books by Habib are strongly recommended, the one above, and Modern Literary Criticism and Theory: A History. They are not always available, so do try second-hand book shops too.
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Whether you are a U.G or a P.G student, a ready reference to all major authors and texts would be this book. Though information is available in plenty online, for quick, specific information, nothing beats this book. Extremely useful to prepare for the NET also.
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